The 10th anniversary of Jo Cox’s death should be a moment for reflection
The 10th anniversary of Jo Cox’s murder should be a solemn moment for reflection on the future direction we collectively want to take the country in. The increasingly febrile atmosphere that has cast a shadow over Britain has made the cracks in society all the more apparent.
Never has Jo’s central message of “we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us” been more important than it is today. While the anniversary of Jo’s death is a sombre occasion, it is also important to celebrate the life of a brilliant, young politician, who had her life cruelly curtailed by an extremist.
The world of politics is much poorer for her absence. Her death left a gaping hole not just in the lives of her loved ones but an entire community. The people of Batley and Spen carry memories of Jo Cox with them to this day.
During her time as MP for Batley and Spen, Jo became known as a champion of her people. It was her hometown that she represented in Parliament.
While criticism of politicians is understandable, the work that MPs do must not be underestimated. There are many Parliamenterians who genuinely care about the communities they represent.
What shocked people the most about Jo’s death was that she was murdered whilst on her way to meet constituents at a routine surgery. A few years later Sir David Amess was also murdered during a constituency surgery.
MPs must never be left fearing for their security. That is why civility in public discourse is vital and everyone must remember that there is “more in common”.